Q&A With Futhi Ntshingila
Author of Shameless, Do Not Go Gentle and They Got to You Too.
by Ezekiel Kekana
Futhi Ntshingila is a writer from Pietermaritzburg. She has published three books, Shameless, and Do Not Go Gentle and her latest book, They Got to You Too. In this interview with EW Blog’s editor, Ezekiel Kekana, Futhi reflects on writing They Got to You Too, why she decided to use the K-word, and talks about unburdening oneself from things unspoken.
Question:
Congratulations on delivering yet another exciting novel. How has the feedback from the public been since your latest novel, They Got to You Too, was released last year?
Answer:
It’s been pretty good but I also have taken note that it can be triggering for some since it takes us back to look at our wounds of the past some of which people haven’t healed from. Some are still wrangling with anger while others can’t seem to shake off the guilt.
Question:
The title of the novel, They Got to You Too, talk to us about what inspired you to go with that title?
Answer:
The title talks to brain washing into believing unnatural things like racism and being superior are real and sustainable. Old Kristina in the story sees it and points it out twice in the trajectory of Hans’s life.
Question:
Many people credited you for telling an authentic South African story in a fictitious manner. What message (s) were you trying to convey with this novel?
Answer:
I think I moved with storytelling more than have a singular message. We are so diverse, readers are bound to come out with all sort messages after reading. I actually enjoy hearing from them what they picked up from it. So I don’t think I have a straight answer for this one.
Question:
The novel touches on so many themes such as racism, forgiveness, reconciliation, apartheid legacies and many other social ills that form part of the democratic South Africa. What would you say was a challenge in incorporating all the themes to tell the story?
Answer:
I think with most of my stories I try to not loss the reader by ensuring that despite the themes the story is still keeping the reader interested.
Question:
Hans Van Rooyen is a character who carries the narrative throughout the novel and one who represented both the evil apartheid government and the democratic dispensation. Talk to us about how the character of Hans helped you to be able to tell this story as authentically and relatable as possible?
Answer:
Certain experiences watching in real time who serves as institutional memory in some of our national key points made it easy for me to write this story. Some of these old people still carry the past either holding it closely or loosely shaking it off.
Question:
During the writing process, how easy or difficult was it for you to make sure that the two main characters, Hans and Zoe, both carry the story in a manner in which the people whom they might represent in reality can easily relate to them?
Answer:
The stories I tell are closely linked to the realities I observe. Zoe felt familiar; I have relatives with similar stories as hers. The only jarring thing was to get into a head of somebody who is of a different gender and race from me and tell his story in first person. After a few moments of hesitancy, I went with it and it flowed.
Question:
Throughout the book, you were able to use the derogatory term, the K-word. Did it not bother that the use of the full K- word might upset some of the readers, especially Black readers?
Answer:
No. I had to remember that at those days, the racists did not bet an eyes calling out black people by such names and it disrupts our convenient amnesia now. I had to be authentic to that period of time I was writing about.
Question:
In a country where issues of racism and reconciliation are still yet to be fully resolved. How does a book such as this help in terms of opening up discussion around those such topics?
Answer:
It’s hard to say for sure. Maybe it add fuel to the fire or maybe it shows a light in the deep shadows of our past pain. My hope is that it lightens somebody’s heaviness makes them laugh at least for a moment.
Question:
What is your message to the many Hans Van Rooyen out there, who still carries memories of the crimes that they committed during apartheid, particular those who were left off the hook at the 1996 Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
Answer:
I think I would say that there is something to be said about unburdening oneself from things unspoken.
Question:
Many readers have asked whether there will be a sequel to this novel. Should your readers expect a sequel?
Answer:
I don’t know. I have never done a sequel in any of my past books but there’s always a first time I guess. For now I would say no. It’s something I haven’t thought of doing.
